Anyone who would like to see the Siddington corn dollies will be able to go from Monday 8th September until the end of October from 10am to 4pm daily. This is around the festival of harvest. The hundreds of dollies were mostly created by the late Raymond Rush, who lived in a nearby house. The tradition is being carried on by Raymond's granddaughter following in his footsteps by becoming a master corn dolly maker. Corn dollies have been made for thousands of years since it was believed the ‘spirit of the corn’ could be kept alive by keeping the last sheaf from a crop and making a shape or doll to keep over the winter to be ploughed back into the next crop. He said: “The dollies were made because it was thought there must be a spirit to teach the grain how to grow. It takes a lot of patience but I have been given a talent and want to share that with others. When people come into the church they say ‘wow’ at the display.”Raymond made the symbols from when he was 25 when he saw his first corn dolly and was impressed by the intricate nature of the creations. He made hundreds each year to add to a collection of more than 1,000. The items create a stunning display made all the more beautiful by being hung on the black paint of the church interior.
The Rev Jim Cartlidge was formally welcomed into the Rural Daneside Churches at a special service at St. Peter’s, Swettenham on 7th July. The Bishop of Chester, the Rt. Rev. Mark Tanner led the service in a packed church with representatives of our four parishes coming together with many visitors from the Rev Jim’s former Benefice in Stone, Staffs.Bishop Mark suggested Jim approaches his time with us with a little bit of mischief alongside his deep faith, and encouraged him always to remember ‘Anyone, any time, anything, anywhere’ in his approach to his ministry. Wardens from the four parishes within Rural Daneside gave their own welcome, along with representatives from the wider church community, including Marton C of E school. The Rev Jim was later able to mix with people from his new parishes at a buffet at Swettenham Club with refreshments by Daisy Bank Catering.
If you have any names that you would like to be placed on the weekly pew sheet's prayer list, please would you email rural.daneside@gmail.com or leave a message on the vicarage answerphone on 01260 224447. It would be helpful if you could let us know which church you are with.It would also be very helpful if you could let us know when the name can be taken off the list. Thank you.
Why do we sing in church? Sunday 9th June is the 2nd Sunday after Trinity, it also happens to be ‘Music Sunday’ and it is taking place in churches all over the country. It is organised by the Royal School of Church Music.Think back to the last birthday party you went to. Did you sing “Happy Birthday?” My guess is that your answer would be “yes”. Singing occurs naturally – at a concert, with families and friends at a funeral, a wedding, a baptism, and of course at our church services.Why do we sing in church could be a question you may have asked yourself. Generally speaking, singing in a congregational setting has been a widely accepted practice amongst various denominations, age groups, and even cultures. So why is that? Why do we sing? Here could be five reasons why we sing in church.1. There are hundreds of references to singing in the Bible. Jesus himself sang songs of praise after the last supper. So, if we are to replicate the character of Christ, I am sure that singing should always be part of our services.2. The earliest Christians put their community beliefs in songs, which is why the composition of hymns or sacred songs developed and have been sung throughout history.3. As you may know, hymns and other Christian songs are full of rich, theological text. The act of singing uses both parts of the brain; therefore, it can educate us and teach us about the gospel of Jesus.4. Singing in church connects us emotionally. Songs of celebration have the power to lead us to dance. Songs of lament have the power to lead us to tears. Music has a way of piercing into the deep parts of our soul, that assists in our expression and response to God and to the church.5. The gospel alone unites believers to one another. However, music is a tool that allows us to do so. As we gather on the Sabbath, we join as one body, and praise God with one voice.We recognise that God gives each of us different gifts. But at the end of the day, we are all called, wanted, and expected to sing.So, join us at Christ Church, Eaton on 9th June 9.45am for a service with some wonderful singing! Happy days!John
